The actual definition of 'culture shock' is "the personal disorientation a person may feel when experiencing an unfamiliar way of life due to immigration or a visit to a new country, or to a move between social environments."
Keeping that in mind, I found the 'Culture Shock' video to be appropriately effective in demonstrating how truly 'shocked' a foreigner may feel when first moving to the United States. Taking many of our customs for granted, I simply wasn't aware of the fact that such common phrases and gestures such as "What's up?" and the "okay" sign could be so confusing for some of these students. I feel that the video opened my eyes a little further when considering this subject. Consequently, I will now strive to be more aware of my own actions along with the possible customs of my particular company. A culturally competent man is a respected man, and I can only hope to be such.
In addition, I also decided to do a bit of further research concerning the idea of culture shock and came across some interesting information. As I read, I learned that the 'shock' is most often portrayed as having four separate phases: the honeymoon, the negotiation, the adjustment, and the mastery. Moreover, the same article stated that, unfortunately, "there is no true way to entirely prevent culture shock, as individuals in any society are personally affected by cultural contrasts differently."
Finally, I also discovered that there is such thing as "reverse culture shock." According to the article, "returning to one's home culture after growing accustomed to a new one can produce the same effects as "culture shock." Furthermore, the article continues by stating that, "The affected person often finds this more surprising and difficult to deal with than the original culture shock."Interesting, and somehwat disturbing stuff. Well, at least now I know.
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